Shutter device in automatic focusing and exposure camera

ABSTRACT

A shutter device of a camera which includes first and second sector mechanisms which constitute a lens shutter and which are independently opened and closed to define an aperture. A photometer, for detecting the luminance of an object to be photographed, and a diaphragm controller for controlling the aperture defined by the second sector mechanism, in accordance with luminance data detected by the photometer, are provided. A shutter opening element is provided which normally closes the first sector mechanism and opens the first sector mechanism when the second sector mechanism is held to define a predetermined aperture determined by the diaphragm controller, and a shutter closing element is provided which closes the second sector mechanisms at a predetermined timing in accordance with the luminance data of the photometer after the first sector mechanism is opened by the shutter opening element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shutter used in an automatic focusand automatic exposure camera, and more precisely it relates to ashutter in which shutter sectors are opened and closed to actuate(release) a lens shutter. The present invention also relates to adaylight synchro photographing method.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a known automatic focus and exposure camera the focusing control andthe exposure control are successively effected in accordance with therelease operation. The lens is first moved to a focused position inassociation with the release operation, and then, the lens shutter isactuated. In such an automatic focusing and automatic exposure camera,more than one sector (shutter blades) are opened and closed toselectively intercept the light path. The exposure value is determinedin accordance with the opening operation of the sectors and the shutterspeed is determined by a time in which the sectors are closed from theopen position.

Thus, in the conventional shutter, since the same sectors are opened andclosed for shutter control, it is very difficult to increase the shutterspeed. Furthermore, in an attempt to increase the shutter speed, thereis difficulty in synchronization of the strobe light emission with theshutter in the daylight synchro mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a shutterdevice having an increased shutter speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shutter devicein which strobe light can be emitted synchronously with an increasedshutter speed at the daylight synchro mode.

To achieve the objects mentioned above, according to the presentinvention, there is provided a shutter device for a camera comprising,first and second sector mechanisms which constitute a lens shutter andwhich are independently opened and closed to define an aperture. Aphotometer for detecting the luminance of an object to be photographedand diaphragm control device for controlling the aperture defined by thesecond sector mechanism in accordance with the luminance data detectedby the photometer are provided. A shutter opening device for normallyclosing the first sector mechanism and opening the first sectormechanism when the second sector mechanism is held to define apredetermined aperture determined by the diaphragm control device, and ashutter closing device for closing the second sector mechanism at apredetermined timing in accordance with the luminance data of thephotometer means after the first sector mechanism is opened by theshutter opening device are provided.

With this arrangement, the lens shutter can be simply constituted by theoperations of the first sector mechanism and the second sector mechanismin combination. Furthermore, a desired shutter speed can be obtainedonly by the control of the shutter opening device and the shutterclosing device, thus resulting in a realization of a high speed shutter.The exposure can be easily controlled by controlling the aperture of thesecond sector mechanism by the diaphragm control device.

Preferably, the diaphragm control device comprises ratchet teethprovided on the sector blades of the second sector mechanism, and anengaging member which is disengageably engaged by the ratchet teeth tohold or release the sector blades.

With this arrangement, the second sector mechanism can be locked todefine a desired diaphragm aperture by the engagement of the ratchetteeth of the second sector mechanism and the engaging member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda shutter device for a camera comprising a first sector mechanism whichis normally biased to open by a first biasing device, a first sectormechanism abutment for holding the first sector mechanism at an optionalaperture, a second sector mechanism which is normally biased to close bya second biasing device, a second sector mechanism abutment for holdingthe second sector mechanism at an optional aperture. A stepping motorwhich opens and closes the first and second sector mechanisms camera isprovided. The a has a strobe and a photometer for detecting luminancedata of an object to be photographed. The a has normal photographingmode in which the second sector mechanism is opened by the steppingmotor at a predetermined diaphragm aperture in accordance with theluminance data. Thus, the second sector mechanism is held by the secondsector mechanism abutment then, the first sector mechanism abutmentmeans and the second sector mechanism abutment release the first sectormechanism and the second sector mechanism by the first biasing deviceand the second biasing device to open the first sector mechanism andclose the second sector mechanism to complete the exposure. The cameraalso has a daylight synchro photographing mode in which the secondsector mechanism is opened by the stepping motor to hold it by thesecond sector mechanism abutment. Then, the first sector mechanism isopened at a predetermined diaphragm aperture in accordance with theluminance data by the stepping motor. Finally the second sectormechanism abutment is released to close the second sector mechanism bythe second biasing device to complete the exposure. The shutter devicefurther comprising a daylight trigger for sending a light emissionsignal to the strobe at a predetermined light emission timing before thefirst sector mechanism provides a predetermined diaphragm aperture, inthe daylight synchro photographing mode.

With this construction, the shutter can be simplified and an increasedshutter speed can be provided. Since the operation of the first sectormechanism to commence the exposure in the daylight synchro mode can becontrolled by the pulses, the motor strobe light can be emitted at apredetermined timing in accordance with a light emission signalsynchronous with the pulses.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a daylight synchro photographing method in a camera having afirst and second sector mechanisms which constitute a lens shutter andwhich are independently open and closed. The camera also included astrobe, and a photometer for detecting the luminance of an object to bephotographed. The method includes the a step of opening the secondsector mechanism and holding it to a predetermined open position. Thestep of opening the first sector mechanism at a predetermined diaphragmaperture in accordance with the luminance data of the object, the stepof sending a light emission signal to the strobe at a predeterminedtiming before the diaphragm aperture defined by the first sectormechanism becomes a predetermined value, and the step of closing thesecond sector mechanism.

According to this method, since the light emission trigger signal can besupplied to the strobe at a predetermined timing before a desireddiaphragm aperture is defined by the first sector mechanism, the strobelight can be appropriately emitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described below in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shutter device according toa first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 through 6 are front elevational views of a shutter deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention, shown indifferent operational positions;

FIG. 7 is a timing chart of various elements of a shutter deviceaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a shutter device according toa second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 through 13 are front elevational views of a shutter deviceaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention, shown indifferent operational positions;

FIG. 14 is a timing chart of various elements of a shutter deviceaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a shutter device according toa third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16 through 21 are front elevational views of a shutter deviceaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention, shown indifferent operational positions in a normal photographing mode;

FIG. 22 is a timing chart of various elements of a shutter deviceaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 23 through 28 are front elevational views of a shutter deviceaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention, shown indifferent operational positions in a daylight synchro mode; and,

FIG. 29 is a timing chart of various elements of a shutter deviceaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention, in a daylightsynchro mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a shutter device accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

The shutter device 1 of the present invention has a release portion 2, adrive portion 3, a drive mechanism holding block 4 and a focus adjustinglens barrel 5.

The release portion 2 has annular bases 8 and 9 having holes 6 and 7having a center on the optical axis O. A first sector mechanism 10having a pair of sector blades 10a and 10b and a second sector mechanism11 having a pair of sector blades 11a and 11b are provided between thetwo annular bases 8 and 9.

The annular base 9 has shafts 12, 13 and 14. The sector blade 10a isrotatably mounted to the shaft 12, and the sector blade 11b is rotatablymounted to the shaft 14. The sector blades 10b and 11a are rotatablymounted to the shaft 13.

The drive portion 3 has an operational plate 16 which has a center hole15. Around the operational plate 16 are provided a switch lever 103which actuates a start switch 100, a lever member 110, an operationalring 20, a sector lever 113 and an engaging lever 131, etc.

The operational plate 16 has a hole 15 having a center on the opticalaxis O. The operational plate 16 is provided on its outer periphery witha gear 22, a cam portion 23, and operational lever 24 and cams 25 and 26in this order.

The start switch 100 has a switch lever 103 (FIG. 2). The switch lever103 rotates about a shaft 103a about which a torsion spring 101 isprovided. The torsion spring 101 bears at its one end against the anabutment bar 102 and at its opposite end against a pin 108 provided onthe camera body, so that the switch lever 103 is continuously biased inthe counterclockwise direction by the torsion spring to engage theabutment bar 103 against the cam portion 23. The switch lever 103rotates in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in accordancewith the cam profile of the cam portion 23. When the switch lever 103rotates in the clockwise direction, the one end of the spring 101 comesinto contact with the terminal 100a of the start switch 100 to turn theswitch ON. The opposite ends of the torsion spring 101 are connected tolead wires connected to a motor control circuit 32.

The lever member 110 is pivoted about the shaft 106 and has at its oneend an operational bar member 108 which is guided by the cam member 23to rotate in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The levermember 110 has at its opposite end a lateral bar member 121 and anarmature 119. An electromagnet 118 for the second sector mechanism,which constitutes a shutter closing means is provided to correspond tothe armature 119. The electromagnet 118 is connected to an electromagnetcontrol circuit 42. A spring 117 is connected to the lever member 110behind the armature 119 (on the right side in FIG. 2) to bias the latterin the counterclockwise direction.

The sector lever 113 has bifurcated portions (arms) 105 and 109 abovethe shaft 111. The operational bar 107 is mounted to one of thebifurcated arms, e.g. the arm 105, and a longer operational bar 50 ismounted to the other arm 109.

The operational bar 107 bears against the cam portion 26 of theoperational plate 16. The longer operational bar 50 extends through anelongated hole 9b formed in the annular base 9 and elongated holes 91and 92 formed in the sector blades 10a and 10b, respectively. In theinitial position of the operational plate 16, the operational bar 107 isplaced on the most raised (highest) portion of the cam portion 26, andaccordingly, the sector lever 113 rotates in the counterclockwisedirection against a first sector mechanism opening spring 112. Thearmature 115 attached to the selector lever 113 below the shaft 111 ismoved to a position in which the armature is attracted by theelectromagnet 116 for the first sector mechanism which constitutes theshutter opening means. At the same time, since the upward force isapplied to the elongated holes 91 and 92 of the sector blades 10a and10b by the operational bar 50, the sector blade 10a and the sector blade10b are rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwisedirection to close the first sector mechanism, respectively.

An engaging lever 131 is provided on the side of the lever member 110.The engaging lever 131 is rotatably supported at one and by a shaft 132and is biased by a spring 120 at the opposite end of the lever 131 inthe counterclockwise direction. A sector association lever 127 isrotatably supported by a shaft 122 to be opposed to a ratchet pawl 130of the engaging lever 131. The sector association lever 127 has serratedratchet teeth 129 which are engaged by the ratchet pawl 130. The sectorassociation lever 127 is biased by a second sector mechanism closingspring 126 in the clockwise direction. The angular displacement of thesector association lever 127 is restricted by a stop 125 provided on thecamera body.

The sector association lever 127 has a sector association bar member 123which laterally projects therefrom. The association bar member 123extends through the elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9 and theelongated holes 51 and 52 of the sector blades 11a and 11b,respectively. When the association bar member 123 is pushed down by thecam portion 25 which moves in accordance with the rotation of theoperational plate 16, the sector blades 11a and 11b are pushed downthrough the elongated holes 51 and 52. As a result, the sector blades11a and 11b are rotated in the clockwise direction and thecounterclockwise direction to open the second sector mechanism 11,respectively.

The drive mechanism holding block 4 has an intermediate frame 65 and amotor mount 66. The intermediate frame 65 is provided on its centerportion with a female thread portion (threaded hole) 67. A steppingmotor 69 is mounted to the motor mount 66.

The stepping motor 69 has stators 70 and 71 in a generally V-shapearrangement. A rotor 72 is located at the center (intermediate) portionof the stators 70 and 71. Coils 73 and 75 are wound around the stators70 and 71 and are connected to the motor drive control circuit 32through lead wires. The motor drive control circuit 32 constitutes adiaphragm control means together with the engaging lever 131 and thesector association lever 127.

The output shaft of the rotor 72 extends through the intermediate frame65 and has at its front end a pinion 76 which is engaged by a pinion 77which is in turn in mesh with the gear 22 of the operational plate 16.The pinions 76 and 77 constitute a reduction gear train 79.

The intermediate frame 65 and the motor mount 66 have arched grooves 80and 81 extending along an imaginary circle having a center on theoptical axis O, respectively. The intermediate frame 65 is provided onits center portion with a cylindrical portion (boss) 82 in which theoperation ring 20 is fitted. An operational bar 83 provided on theoperation ring 20 extends through the arched grooves 80 and 81 and isengaged in a bifurcated associated arm 85 which is provided on the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 at the front end of the operational bar 83.

The focus adjusting lens barrel 5 is provided on its outer peripherywith a male thread portion 86 which is in mesh with the female threadportion 67 of the intermediate frame 65. Accordingly, when the steppingmotor 69 is not driven, the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 is rotated bya largest angular displacement in the clockwise direction by the spring87 to retract the lens to an innermost position. On the other hand, whenthe stepping motor 69 is driven to rotate the operational plate 16 ofexample in the counterclockwise direction, a bent portion 24 of theoperational plate 16 presses the operational lever 83 of the operationring 20 after the lapse of a predetermined time. As a result, theoperational lever 83 rotates along the profile of the arched grooves 80and 81, so that the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 is rotated in the samedirection to be advanced.

The motor drive control circuit 32 and the electromagnet control circuit42 are connected to an arithmetic operation circuit 88 which has thereina luminance detecting means 89 for detecting luminance data of an objectto be taken in accordance with the measurement of a photometer switch(not shown), and an object distance detecting means 90 for detecting anobject distance data in accordance with an object distance switch (notshown). In FIG. 2, numeral 48 designates a pin which restricts therotational movement of the sector lever 113 in the counterclockwisedirection, and 113 a pin which restricts the rotational movement of thelever member 110 in the clockwise direction.

The shutter device 1 according to the present invention operates asfollows (FIGS. 2 through 7).

In an initial position shown in FIG. 2 in which both the photometerswitch and the object distance switch are turned OFF, the electromagnet116 for the first sector mechanism and the electromagnet 118 for thesecond sector mechanism are both deenergized, and the stepping motor 69is not driven. Namely, the operational plate 16 is maintained at theinitial angular position, and accordingly, the operational bar 107 rideson the most raised portion of the cam portion 26 to rotate the sectorlever 113 in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the operationbar 50 is rotated in the same direction to rotate the sector blades 10aand 10b in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise directionrespectively, to close the shutter thereby, to intercept the opticalpath.

In this state, since the bar member 123 is in contact with the lowermostportion of the cam member 25, the sector association lever 127 isrotated by the largest angular displacement in the clockwise directionby the second sector mechanism closing spring 126 to a position in whichthe angular displacement thereof is restricted by the stop 125. Theoperational bar member 108 of the lever member 110 comes into contactwith the end of the cam portion 23 so that the lever member 110 isrotated against the spring 117 in the clockwise direction. Since the barmember 121 releases the engaging lever 131, the lever 131 is rotated bythe spring 120 in the counterclockwise direction, so that the ratchetpawl 130 bears against the sector association lever 127. Consequently,the bar member 123 is moved in the elongated hole 9c of the annular base9 toward the center of the annular base 9 to rotate the sector blades11a and 11b to intercept the optical path. Thus, the shutter is closed.

In this state, since there is a predetermined distance between the bentportion 24 of the operational plate 16 and the operational lever 83 ofthe operation ring 20, the operation ring 20 is fully rotated in theclockwise direction by the spring 87. As a result, the operational lever83 is rotated in the same direction to come into contact with the endsof the arched grooves 80 and 81 of the intermediate frame 65 and thelens frame 66 in the clockwise direction in order to rotate the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 by the largest angular displacement in the samedirection. Thus, the lens is retracted into the innermost position.

The switch lever 103 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction whenthe abutment bar 102 rides on the lower portion of the cam portion 23,so that one end (contact point) of the spring 101 is separated from theterminal 100a to keep the start switch 100 OFF.

When the photometer switch and he object distance switch are turned ON(i.e., when the release switch is pushed down by a half step), thearithmetic operation circuit 88 operates, so that the luminance data andthe object distance data are arithmetically calculated by the luminancedetecting means 89 and the object distance detecting means 90,respectively.

When the release switch is made ON, a predetermined number of forwardrotation pulses corresponding to the object luminance is sent to thestepping motor 69 from the motor drive control circuit 32 in accordancewith the luminance data of the photometer means 89 to rotate thestepping motor 69 in the forward direction (clockwise direction). At thesame time, the second electromagnet 118 (for the second sectormechanism) is energized in response to the signal from the electromagnetcontrol circuit 42 in accordance with the arithmetic operation circuit88 to attract the armature 119. Similarly, the electromagnet 116 isenergized to attract the armature 115.

As a result, the lever member 110 is attracted at the opposite endthereof, so that it can not be rotated in the counterclockwisedirection, even if the operational bar member 108 is disengaged from thecam portion 23. Similarly, the opposite end of the sector lever 113 isattracted, so that it can not be rotated in the clockwise direction evenif the operational bar 107 is disengaged from the cam portion 26.Simultaneously, the stepping motor 69 receives a predetermined number offorward rotation pulses corresponding to the diaphragm value detected,based on the photometer data, so that the coils 73 and 75 are activatedto rotate the rotor 72 in the clockwise direction.

When the rotor 72 causes the operational plate 16 to rotate in theclockwise direction through the reduction gear train 79, the cam portion25 gradually pushes the sector association bar member 123 downward. As aresult, the sector association bar member 123 is moved radially andoutwardly in the elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9 to rotate thesector blade 11a and the sector blade 11b in the clockwise direction andthe counterclockwise direction, respectively.

One step of the stepping motor 69 corresponds to one tooth of theratchet teeth 129 of the sector association lever 127, which in turncorresponds to one diaphragm value. Therefore, the rotation of thestepping motor 69 by a predetermined number of steps causes the secondsector mechanism 11 to open to obtain a desired exposure value.

When the rotor 72 is stopped after it rotates by a predetermined numberof steps, the second sector mechanism 11 defines an opening (aperture) Scorresponding to a desired exposure value, as shown in FIG. 3. Theratchet pawl 130 rides on the ratchet teeth 129 tooth by tooth. When theoperational plate 16 stops, the sector association lever 123 is lockedat the position of the engagement of the ratchet pawl 130 with one ofthe ratchet teeth 129 to hold the second sector mechanism 11 at the openposition. In this state, since the first sector mechanism 10 ismaintained in a closed position, the shutter opening 59a is closed, sothat no exposure takes place.

Thereafter, a predetermined number of steps of reverse rotation pulsesare generated from the motor drive control circuit 32 to the steppingmotor 69 to reverse the rotor 72 in the counterclockwise direction,thereby to rotate the operational plate 16 in the counterclockwisedirection through the reduction gear train 79. As a result, theoperational bar 107 is gradually disengaged from the cam portion 26.Nevertheless, no rotation of the sector lever 113 in the clockwisedirection occurs, since the armature 115 is attracted by the firstelectromagnet 116. Thus, the first sector mechanism 10 is kept in theclosed position. The cam portion 23 causes the abutment bar 102 to moveup to rotate the switch lever 103 in the clockwise direction against thetorsion spring 101. Consequently, the one end of the torsion spring 101comes into contact with the terminal 100a of the start switch 100 tomake the start switch ON (FIG. 4). During these operations caused by therotation of the operational plate 16, the bent portion 24 of theoperational plate 16 does not actuate the focus adjusting lens barrel 5,since there is a predetermined distance between the bent portion 24 andthe operational lever 83, as mentioned before.

A further rotation of the stepping motor 69 in the counterclockwisedirection continues until the number of steps reaches a predeterminedvalue corresponding to the focal position detected by the objectdistance detecting means 90. As a result, when the bent portion 24 ofthe operational plate 16 comes into contact with the operational lever83 from a predetermined angular position, the operation ring 20 beginsrotating in the counterclockwise direction. Consequently, theoperational lever 83 moves in the elongated holes 80 and 81 of theintermediate frame 65 and the motor mount 66 to rotate the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 in the same direction, so that the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 is advanced to the focal position. When thefocus adjusting lens barrel 5 is moved to the focal position, thestepping motor 69 stops rotating in response to the stop signal from themotor drive control circuit 32.

As a result, a signal is issued from the electromagnet control circuit42 to deenergize the electromagnet 116, thereby to release the armature115 and accordingly the sector lever 113. Consequently, the sector lever113 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the first sector mechanismopening spring 112 (FIG. 5). The operational bar 50 is moved in theradial and outward direction of the annular base 9 to rotate the sectorblades 10a and 10b in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwisedirection respectively, so that the first sector mechanism 10 is fullyopened. Since the second sector mechanism 11 is opened at apredetermined aperture (exposure value), as mentioned above, an exposurecan be made through the first and second sector mechanisms 10 and 11.

After the lapse of a predetermined time of exposure determined by thephotometer means 89, the second electromagnet 118 is deenergized inresponse to the signal of the electromagnet control circuit 42, so thatthe armature 119 and accordingly the lever member 110 are released androtated in the counterclockwise direction by the spring 117. Since thespring 117 is stronger than the spring 120, the engaging lever 131 isrotated in the clockwise direction through the bar member 121.Consequently, the ratchet pawl 130 is disengaged from the ratchet teeth129 to release the sector association lever 127 (FIG. 6).

As a result, the sector association lever 127 is rotated in theclockwise direction by the second sector mechanism closing spring 126until the sector association lever 127 comes into contact with the stop125. Since the cam portion 25 is retracted from the sector associationlever 123 by the rotation of the operational plate 16, the sectorassociation lever 123 is moved in the radial and inward direction alongthe elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9. As a result, the sectorblade 11a and the sector blade 11b are rotated in the counterclockwisedirection and the clockwise direction respectively, to close the secondsector mechanism 11, so that the exposure through the opening of thefirst sector mechanism 10 is finished. After the exposure, the steppingmotor 69 rotates in the clockwise direction by a predetermined number ofsteps of forward rotation pulses from the motor drive control circuit 32to rotate the operational plate 16 in the clockwise direction, so thatthe shutter device 1 is returned to the initial position shown in FIG.2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stepping motor 69 causes the secondsector mechanism 11 to open at a desired aperture, and theelectromagnets 116 and 118 are deenergized at a predetermined timing toobtain a desired exposure value and a desired shutter speed, asmentioned above. It is possible to manually set the aperture of thesecond sector mechanism 11 and the opening and closing timings of thefirst and second sector mechanisms 10 and 11.

The following discussion will be directed to a second embodiment of thepresent invention, shown in FIG. 8 in which the elements correspondingto those in the above mentioned first embodiment are designated with thesame reference numerals.

The start switch 17, the lever member 19, the operation ring 20 and thesecond sector mechanism lever 21, etc., are provided around theoperational plate 16 of the shutter device 1'.

The start switch 17 has the switch lever 18 which is rotatable about theshaft 27 about which the torsion spring 28 is wound. The torsion spring28 bears at its one end against the hook 29 and at its opposite endagainst the pin 30 secured to the camera body to continuously bias theswitch lever 18 in the counterclockwise direction. The switch lever 18has a laterally projecting abutment bar 31 which is guided by the camportion 23 to rotate in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.The rotation of the switch lever in the counterclockwise directioncauses one end of the spring 28 to come into contact with the terminal17a of the start switch 17 to turn the start switch 17 ON. The oppositeends of the torsion spring 28 are connected to the lead wires connectedto the motor drive control circuit 32.

The lever member 19 is pivoted at its one end by a shaft 33 and has atits center portion a projection 19a projecting in the left handdirection in FIG. 8. The lever 19 has the abutment pin 35 in thevicinity of the shaft 33. The operational member 37 which is formed bybending one end of the abutment lever 36 is rotatably connected to oneend of the lever member 19. The end of the operational member 37 comesaway from and close to the abutment pin 35 provided on the lever member19. The spring 39 is provided between the end of the operational member37 and the lever member 19, so that the operational member 37 is biasedin the counterclockwise direction by the spring 39 to elastically bearagainst the abutment pin 35. The rotational displacement of theoperational member 37 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted bythe positioning pin 40 provided on the shutter device body.

An armature 41 is mounted to the opposite end of the lever member 19.The second electromagnet 44 for the second sector mechanism, connectedto the electromagnet control circuit 42 is provided to be opposed to thearmature 41. The spring 43 is provided behind (on the left side of) thearmature 41, so that when the second electromagnet 44 is not energized,the lever member 19 is rotated in the clockwise direction together withthe operational member 37 until the lever member 19 comes into contactwith the stop pin 45.

The abutment lever 36 of the operational member 37 is laterally bent toextend through the hole 9a of the annular base 9, above the sector blade11a. The sector blade 11a is provided on its upper portion with archedand serrated ratchet teeth 54. Consequently, when the sector blade 11ais rotated in the clockwise direction, the abutment leer 36 which iselastically engaged with the ratchet teeth 54 by the spring 39 rides onthe ratchet teeth 54 tooth by tooth. When the sector blade 11a stopsrotating, the abutment lever 36 locks the sector blade 11a by theengagement of the abutment lever 36 with one of the ratchet teeth 54.

The first sector mechanism lever 46 is rotatably supported by the shaft47 and has the bifurcated arms 46a and 46b above the shaft 47. Theoperational bar 49' is connected to the arm 46a and the longeroperational bar 50' is connected to the other arm 46a. The operationalbar 49' bears against the cam portion 26 of the operational plate 16.The operational bar 50' extends through the elongated hole 9b of theannular base 9 and the elongated holes 91 and 92 of the sector blades10a and 10b. In the initial position of the operational plate 16, theoperational bar 49' is placed on the most raised portion of the cam 26,and accordingly, the first sector mechanism lever 46 is rotated in thecounterclockwise direction against the spring 53 to move the armature 56provided below the shaft 47 to a position in which the armature 56 canbe magnetically attracted by the first electromagnet 55. At the sametime, the first sector mechanism 10 is closed, since the upward force ofthe operational bar 50' is applied to the elongated holes 91 and 92 ofthe sector blades 10a and 10b, so that the sector blades 10a and 10b arerotated in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction,respectively.

The shutter device 1' according to the present invention operates asfollows (FIGS. 9 through 14).

In an initial position shown in FIG. 9 in which both the photometerswitch and the object distance switch are turned OFF, the electromagnet55 for the first sector mechanism and the electromagnet 44 for thesecond sector mechanism are both deenergized, and the stepping motor 69is not driven. Thus, the operational plate 16 is maintained at theinitial angular position, and accordingly, the operational bar 49' rideson the most raised portion of the cam portion 26 to rotate the sectorlever 46 in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the operationbar 50' is rotated in the same direction to rotate the sector blades 10aand 10b in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise directionrespectively, to close the shutter thereby, to intercept the opticalpath.

In this state, since the sector association bar 60 is in contact withthe lowermost portion of the cam member 25 the second sector mechanismlever 21, is rotated by the largest angular displacement in theclockwise direction by the spring 61 to a position in which the angulardisplacement thereof is restricted by the stop 62.

The operational lever 24 of the operational plate 16 comes into contactwith the projection 19a of the lever member 19, so that the lever member19 is rotated against the spring 43, in the clockwise direction.Consequently, the armature 41 comes into contact with the secondelectromagnet 44, and the abutment lever 36 is restricted by thepositioning pin 40 and can engage with the ratchet teeth 54 of thesector blade 11a.

In this state, since there is a predetermined distance between theoperational lever 24 of the operational plate 16 and the operationallever 83 of the operation ring 20, the operation ring 20 is fullyrotated in the clockwise direction by the spring 87. As a result, theoperational lever 83 is rotated in the same direction to come intocontact with the ends of the arched grooves 80 and 81 of theintermediate frame 65 and the motor amount 66 in the clockwise directionin order to rotate the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 by the largestangular displacement in the same direction. Thus, the lens is retractedinto the innermost position. The switch lever 19 is rotated in theclockwise direction when the abutment bar 31 rides on the most raisedportion of the cam 23, so that one end (contact point) of the spring 28separates from the terminal 17a to keep the start switch 17 OFF.

When the photometer switch and the object distance switch are turned ON,the arithmetic calculation circuit 88 operates, so that the luminancedata and the object distance data are arithmetically calculated by theluminance detecting means 89 and the object distance detecting means 90,respectively.

When the release switch is turned ON, a predetermined number of forwardrotation pulses corresponding to the object luminance is sent to thestepping motor 69 from the motor drive control circuit 32 in accordancewith the luminance data of the photometer means 89 to rotate thestepping motor 69 in the forward direction (clockwise direction). At thesame time, the second electromagnet 44 (for the second sector mechanism)is energized in response to the signal from the electromagnet controlcircuit 42 in accordance with the arithmetic operation circuit 88 toattract the armature 41. Similarly, the electromagnet 55 is energized toattract the armature 56. As a result, the lever member 19 is attractedat the opposite end thereof, so that it can not be rotated in theclockwise direction, even if the projection 19a is released from theoperational lever 24. Similarly, the opposite end of the first sectormechanism lever 46 is attracted, so that it can not be rotated in theclockwise direction even if the operational bar 49' is disengaged fromthe cam portion 26. Simultaneously, the stepping motor 69 receives apredetermined number of steps of forward rotation pulses correspondingto the diaphragm value detected, based on the photometer data, so thatthe coils 73 and 75 are activated to rotate the rotor 72 in theclockwise direction.

When the rotor 72 causes the operational plate 16 to rotate in theclockwise direction through the reduction gear train 79, the cam portion25 gradually pushes the sector association bar member 60 downward. As aresult, the sector association bar member 60 is moved radially andoutwardly in the elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9 to rotate thesector blade 11a and the sector blade 11b in the clockwise direction andthe counterclockwise direction, respectively.

One step of the stepping motor 69 corresponds to one tooth of theratchet teeth 54 of the sector blade 11a, which in turn corresponds toone diaphragm value. Therefore, the rotation of the stepping motor 69 bya predetermined number of steps causes the second sector mechanism 11 toopen to obtain a desired exposure value.

When the rotor 72 is stopped after it rotates by a predetermined numberof steps, the second sector mechanism 11 defines an opening (aperture) Scorresponding to a desired exposure value, as shown in FIG. 10. Theabutment lever 36 rides on the ratchet teeth 54 tooth by tooth. When theoperational plate 16 stops, the abutment lever 36 is locked to hold thesecond sector mechanism 11 at the open position. In this state, sincethe first sector mechanism 10 is maintained in a closed position, theshutter opening 6 is closed, so that no exposure takes place.

Thereafter, a predetermined number of steps of reverse rotation pulsesare generated from the motor drive control circuit 32 to the steppingmotor 69 to reverse the rotor 72 in the counterclockwise direction,thereby to rotate the operational plate 16 in the counterclockwisedirection through the reduction gear train 79. As a result, theoperational bar 49' is gradually disengaged from the cam portion 26.Nevertheless, no rotation of the first sector mechanism lever 46 in theclockwise direction occurs, since the armature 56 is attracted by thefirst electromagnet 55. Thus, the first sector mechanism 10 is kept inthe closed position.

The cam portion 23 causes the abutment bar 31 to be gradually releasedto rotate the switch lever 18 in the counterclockwise direction by thetorsion spring 28. Consequently, the one end of the torsion spring 28comes into contact with the terminal 17a of the start switch 17 to turnthe start switch ON (FIG. 11). During these operations caused by therotation of the operational plate 16, the operational lever 42 does notactuate the focus adjusting lens barrel 5, since there is apredetermined distance between the operational lever 24 and theoperational lever 83 of the operation ring 20.

A further rotation of the stepping motor 69 in the counterclockwisedirection continues until the number of steps reaches a predeterminedvalue corresponding to the focal position detected by the objectdistance detecting means 90. As a result, when the operational lever 24of the operational plate 16 comes into contact with the operationallever 83 of the operation ring 20 from a predetermined angular position,the operation ring 20 beings rotating in the counterclockwise direction.Consequently, the operational lever 83 moves in the elongated holes 80and 81 of the intermediate frame 65 and the motor mount 66 to rotate thefocus adjusting lens barrel 5 in the same direction, so that the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 is advanced to the focal position. When thefocus adjusting lens barrel 5 is moved to the focal position, thestepping motor 69 stops rotating in response to the stop signal from themotor drive control circuit 32.

As a result, a signal is issued from the electromagnet control circuit42 to deenergize the first electromagnet 55 thereby to release thearmature 56 and accordingly the sector lever 46. Consequently, thesector lever 46 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the spring 53(FIG. 12). The operational bar 50' is moved in the radial and outwarddirection of the annular base 9 to rotate the sector blades 10a and 10bin the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise directionrespectively, so that the first sector mechanism 10 is fully opened.Since the second sector mechanism 11 is opened at a predeterminedaperture (exposure value), as mentioned above, an exposure can be donethrough the first and second sector mechanisms 10 and 11.

After the lapse of a predetermined time of exposure determined by thephotometer means 89, the second electromagnet 44 is deenergized inresponse to the signal of the electromagnet control circuit 42, so thatthe armature 41 and accordingly the lever member 19 are released androtated in the clockwise direction by the spring 43. The operationalmember 37 is rotated in the same direction together with the levermember 19, so that the abutment lever 36 is disengaged from the ratchetteeth 54 of the sector blade 11a to release the sector blade 11a (FIG.13).

As a result, the sector association lever 60 is rotated in the clockwisedirection by the spring 61 until the sector association lever 60 comesinto contact with the stop 62. Since the cam portion 25 is retractedfrom the sector association lever 60 by the rotation of the operationalplate 16, the sector association lever 60 is moved in the radial andinward direction along the elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9. As aresult, the sector blade 11a and the sector blade 11b are rotated in thecounterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction respectively, toclose the second sector mechanism 11, so that the exposure through theopening of the first sector mechanism 10 is finished. After theexposure, the stepping motor 69 rotates in the clockwise direction by apredetermined number of steps of forward rotation pulses from the motordrive control circuit 32 to rotate the operational plate 16 in theclockwise direction, so that the shutter device 1' is returned to theinitial position shown in FIG. 9.

In the illustrated second embodiment, although the ratchet teeth 54 areprovided only on the sector blade 11l that constitutes the second sectormechanism 11, it is possible to additionally provide ratchet teeth onthe sector blade 11b to enhance the diaphragm holding effect of theabutment lever 36.

The following discussion will be directed to a third embodiment of thepresent invention, shown in FIGS. 15 through 29 in which the elementscorresponding to those in the above mentioned first and secondembodiments are designated with the same reference numerals.

One of the main features of the third embodiment is directed to theselection of a "normal photographing mode" and a "daylight synchro mode"by a mode selection switch.

The operation ring 20 is provided on its outer periphery with a ratchetteeth 20a. Pivoted adjacent to the operation ring 20 is a lens abutmentlever 135 which has at its one end a pawl 135a and which is rotatableabout a shaft 136. The spring 137 is provided between the opposite endof the lens abutment lever 135 and the body of the shutter device, sothat the lens abutment lever 135 is rotated in the counterclockwisedirection by the spring 137. The rotation of the lens abutment lever 137is restricted by the bar member 139. The spring 137 is weaker than thespring 61. Accordingly, when the second sector lever 21 is rotated inthe clockwise direction to come into contact with the positioning pin62, the lens abutment lever 135 is pressed up by the bar member 139 atthe opposite end of the lens abutment lever to rotate the latter in thesame direction.

When the "normal photographing mode" is selected by the mode selectionswitch (not shown), the shutter device 1" operates as follows (FIGS. 16through 22).

In an initial position shown in FIG. 16 in which both the photometerswitch and the object distance switch are turned OFF, the electromagnet55 for the first sector mechanism and the electromagnet 44 for thesecond sector mechanism are both deenergized, and the stepping motor 69is not driven. Namely, the operational plate 16 is maintained at theinitial angular position of the normal photographing mode, andaccordingly, the operational bar 49' rides on the most raised portion ofthe cam portion 26 to rotate the first sector lever 46 in thecounterclockwise direction. As a result, the operation bar 50' isrotated in the same direction to rotate the sector blades 10a and 10b inthe counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction respectively,to close the shutter, to thereby intercept the optical path.

In this state, since the second sector opening and closing bar 60 is incontact with the lowermost portion of the cam member 25, the secondsector lever 21 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the spring 61to a position in which the angular displacement thereof is restricted bythe stop 62.

Consequently, the second sector opening and closing bar 60 moves up inthe elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9 to rotate the sector blades11a and 11b in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwisedirection respectively, to close the second sector 11.

The operational lever 24 of the operational plate 16 comes into contactwith the projection 19a of the lever member 19, so that the lever member19 is rotated by a predetermined angular displacement against the spring43 in the counterclockwise direction. Consequently, the armature 41comes into contact with the second electromagnet 44, and the abutmentlever 36 is restricted by the positioning pin 40 and can engage with theratchet teeth 54 of the sector blade 11a.

In this state, since there is a predetermined distance between theoperational lever 24 of the operational plate 16 and the operationallever 83 of the operation ring 20, the operation ring 20 is fullyrotated in the clockwise direction by the spring 87. As a result, theoperational lever 83 is rotated in the same direction to come intocontact with the ends of the arched grooves 80 and 81 of theintermediate frame 65 and the motor mount 66 in the clockwise directionin order to rotate the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 by the largestangular displacement in the same direction. Thus, the lens is retractedinto the innermost position. The lens abutment lever 135 is rotated inthe clockwise direction against the spring 137, since the second sectorlever 21 is rotated in the clockwise direction until it comes intocontact with the positioning pin 62. Consequently, the pawl 135a islocated away from the ratchet teeth 20a of the operation ring 20.

The switch lever 18 is rotated in the clockwise direction when theabutment bar 31 rides on the most raised portion of the cam 23, so thatone end (contact point) of the spring 28 separates from the terminal 17ato keep the start switch 17 turned OFF.

When the photometer switch and the object distance switch are turned ON,the arithmetic operation circuit 88 operates, so that the luminance dataand the object distance data are arithmetically calculated by theluminance detecting means 89 and the object distance detecting means 90,respectively.

When the release switch is turned ON, a predetermined number of forwardrotation pulses corresponding to the object luminance is sent to thestepping motor 69 from the motor drive control circuit 32 in accordancewith the luminance data of the photometer means 89 to rotate thestepping motor 69 in the forward direction (clockwise direction). At thesame time, the second electromagnet 44 (for the sector mechanism) isenergized in response to the signal from the electromagnet controlcircuit 42 in accordance with the arithmetic operation circuit 88 toattract the armature 41. Similarly, the first electromagnet 55 isenergized to attract the armature 56. As a result, the lever member 19is attracted at the opposite end thereof, so that it can not be rotatedin the clockwise direction, even if the projection 19a is released fromthe operational lever 24. Similarly, the opposite end of the firstsector mechanism lever 46 is attracted, so that it can not be rotated inthe clockwise direction even if the operational bar 49' is disengagedfrom the cam portion 26. Simultaneously, the stepping motor 69 receivesa predetermined number of steps of forward rotation pulses correspondingto the diaphragm value detected, based on the photometer data, so thatthe coils 73 and 75 are activated to rotate the rotor 72 in theclockwise direction.

When the rotor 72 causes the operational plate 16 to rotate in theclockwise direction through the reduction gear train 79, the cam portion25 gradually pushes the second sector opening and closing bar 60downward. As a result, the second sector opening and closing bar 60 ismoved radially and outwardly in the elongated hole 9c of the annularbase 9 to rotate the sector blade 11a and the sector blade 11b in theclockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively.The lens abutment lever 135 rotates in the counterclockwise direction inassociation with the movement of the bar member 139, and accordingly,the pawl 135a comes into contact with a portion of the operation ring 20other than the ratchet teeth 20a.

When the rotor 72 is stopped after it rotates by a predetermined numberof steps, the second sector mechanism 11 defines an opening (aperture) Scorresponding to a desired exposure value, as shown in FIG. 17. Theabutment lever 36 rides on the ratchet teeth 54 tooth by tooth. When theoperational plate 16 stops, the abutment lever 36 is locked to hold thesecond sector mechanism 11 at the open position and to determine thediaphragm value. In this state, since the first sector mechanism 10 ismaintained in a closed position, the shutter opening 6 is closed, sothat no exposure takes place.

Thereafter, a predetermined number of steps of reverse rotation pulsesare generated from the motor drive control circuit 32 to the steppingmotor 69 to reverse the rotor 72 in the counterclockwise direction,thereby to rotate the operational plate 16 in the counterclockwisedirection through the reduction gear train 79. As a result, theoperational bar 49' is gradually disengaged from the cam portion 26.Nevertheless, no rotation of the first sector mechanism lever 46 in theclockwise direction occurs, since the armature 56 is attracted by thefirst electromagnet 55. Thus, the first sector mechanism 10 is kept inthe closed position.

The cam portion 23 causes the abutment bar 31 to be gradually releasedtherefrom to rotate the switch lever 18 in the counterclockwisedirection by the torsion spring 28. Consequently, the one end of thetorsion spring 28 comes into contact with the terminal 17a of the startswitch 17 to turn the start switch ON (FIG. 18). During these operationscaused by the rotation of the operational plate 16, the operationallever 24 does not actuate the focus adjusting lens barrel 5, since thereis a predetermined distance between the operational lever 24 and theoperational lever 83 of the operation ring 20.

A further rotation of the stepping motor 69 in the counterclockwisedirection continues until the number of steps reaches a predeterminedvalue corresponding to the focus position detected by the objectdistance detecting means 90. As a result, when the operational lever 24of the operational plate 16 comes into contact with the operationallever 83 of the operation ring 20 from a predetermined angular position,the operation ring 20 begins rotating in the counterclockwise direction.Consequently, the operational lever 83 moves in the elongated holes 80and 81 of the intermediate frame 65 and the motor mount 66 to rotate thefocus adjusting lens barrel 5 in the same direction, so that the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 is advanced to the focus position. The pawl 135aof the lens abutment lever 135 rides over the ratchet teeth 20a tooth bytooth and engages with one of the ratchet teeth when operation ring 20stops to lock the operation ring 20 and accordingly the focus adjustinglens barrel 5 at the focus position.

Thereafter, a signal is issued from the electromagnet control circuit 42to deenergize the first electromagnet 55, thereby to release thearmature 56 and accordingly the sector lever 46. Consequently, thesector lever 46 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the spring 53(FIG. 20). The operational bar 50' is moved in the radial and outwarddirection of the annular base 9 to rotate the sector blades 10a and 10bin the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise directionrespectively, so that the first sector mechanism 10 is fully opened.Since the second sector mechanism 11 is opened to a predeterminedaperture (exposure value), as mentioned above, an exposure can be madethrough the first and second sector mechanisms 10 and 11.

After the lapse of a predetermined exposure time as determined by thephotometer means 89, the second electromagnet 44 is deenergized inresponse to the signal of the electromagnet control circuit 42, so thatthe armature 41, and accordingly, the lever member 19 are released androtated in the clockwise direction by the spring 43. The operationalmember 37 is rotated in the same direction together with the levermember 19, so that the abutment lever 36 is disengaged from the ratchetteeth 54 of the sector blade 11a to release the sector blade 11a. As aresult, the second sector opening and closing lever 60 is rotated in theclockwise direction by the spring 61 until the lever 60 comes intocontact with the stop pin 62. Since the cam portion 25 is retracted fromthe sector association lever 60 by the rotation of the operational plate16, the sector association lever 60 is moved in the radial and inwarddirection along the elongated hole 9c of the annular base 9. As aresult, the sector blade 11a and the sector blade 11b are rotated in thecounterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction respectively, toclose the second sector mechanism 11, so that the exposure through theopening of the first sector mechanism 10 is finished (FIG. 21). In thistime, since the lens abutment lever 135 is rotated in the same directionby the bar member 139 which moves in the clockwise direction to pressthe opposite end of the lens abutment lever 135 upward, the pawl 135a isdisengaged from the ratchet teeth 20a to release the operation ring 20.As a result, the operation ring 20 is rotated in the clockwise directionby the spring 87 to return the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 to theinitial position.

After the exposure, the stepping motor 69 rotates in the clockwisedirection by a predetermined number of steps of forward rotation pulsesfrom the motor drive control circuit 32 to rotate the operational plate16 in the clockwise direction. As a result, the operational bar 49' ofthe first sector lever 46 rides on the most raised portion of the cam 26of the operational plate 16, and accordingly, the first sector 10 isclosed again. Thus, the shutter device 1" is returned to the initialposition shown in FIG. 16. Immediately before the completion of thecharge of the first sector 10, the abutment bar 31 is placed on the cam23, so that the spring 28 is separated from the terminal 17a to turn thestart switch OFF.

When the "daylight synchro" mode is selected by the mode selectionswitch (not shown), the shutter device 1" operates as follows (FIGS. 23through 29).

In an initial position in which both the photometer switch and theobject distance switch are turned OFF, the shutter device 1" is as shownin FIG. 16. When the photometer switch and the object distance switchare turned ON, the arithmetic operation circuit 88 operates, so that theluminance data and the object distance data are arithmeticallycalculated by the luminance detecting means 89 and the object distancedetecting means 90, respectively.

When the release switch is turned ON, the stepping motor 69 rotates by apredetermined number of steps in the forward direction, in accordancewith the motor drive control circuit 32. At the same time, the secondelectromagnet 44 (for the second sector mechanism) is energized inresponse to the signal from the electromagnet control circuit 42 inaccordance with the arithmetic operation circuit 88 to attract thearmature 41. Similarly, the first electromagnet 55 is energized toattract the armature 56. As a result, the lever member 19 is attractedat the opposite end thereof, so that it can be rotated in the clockwisedirection, even if the projection 19a is released from the operationallever 24. Similarly, the opposite end of the first sector mechanismlever 46 is attracted, so that it can not be rotated in the clockwisedirection even if the operational bar 49' is disengaged from the camportion 26.

When the stepping motor 69 rotates by a predetermined number of steps inthe forward direction to rotate the operational plate 16 in theclockwise direction through the reduction gear train 79, the cam portion25 gradually pushes the second sector opening and closing bar 60downward. As a result, the second sector opening and closing bar 60 isfully moved in the radial and outward direction in the elongated hole 9cof the annular base 9 to rotate the sector blade 11a and the sectorblade 11b in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction,respectively. The abutment lever 36 rides over the ratchet teeth 54tooth by tooth and engages with the engaging tooth 54a when the largestangular displacement of the sector blade 11a in the clockwise directiontakes place to hold the second sector mechanism 11 at the full openposition (FIG. 23).

The stepping motor 69 is then stopped. In this state, since the firstsector 10 is kept in the closed position, no exposure occurs. The lensabutment lever 135 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction by themovement of the second sector opening and closing bar 60, so that thepawl 135a engages with the portion of the operation ring 20 other thanthe ratchet teeth 20a.

Thereafter, a predetermined number of steps of reverse rotation pulsesare generated from the motor drive control circuit 32 to the steppingmotor 69 to reverse the rotor 72 in the counterclockwise direction,thereby to rotate the operational plate 16 in the counterclockwisedirection through the reduction gear train 79. As a result, theoperational bar 49' is generally disengaged from the cam portion 26.Nevertheless, no rotation of the first sector mechanism lever 46 in theclockwise direction occurs, since the armature 56 is attracted by thefirst electromagnet 55. Thus, the first sector mechanism 10 is kept inthe closed position.

The cam portion 23 causes the abutment bar 31 to be gradually releasedtherefrom by the rotation of the operational plate 16 to rotate theswitch lever 18 in the counterclockwise direction by the torsion spring28. Consequently, the one end of the torsion spring 29 comes intocontact with the terminal 17a of the start switch 17 to turn the startswitch ON (FIG. 24). During these operations caused by the rotation ofthe operational plate 16, the operational lever 24 does not actuate thefocus adjusting lens barrel 5, since there is a predetermined distancebetween the operational lever 24 and the operational lever 83 of theoperation ring 20.

A further rotation of the stepping motor 69 in the counterclockwisedirection continues until the number of steps reaches a predeterminedvalue corresponding to the focal position detected by the objectdistance detecting means 90. As a result, when the operational lever 24of the operational plate 16 comes into contact with the operationallever 83 of the operation ring 20 from a predetermined angular position,the operation ring 20 begins rotating in the counterclockwise direction(FIG. 25). Consequently, the operational lever 83 moves in the elongatedholes 80 and 81 of the intermediate frame 65 and the motor mount 66 torotate the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 in the same direction, so thatthe focus adjusting lens barrel 5 is advanced to the focus position.When the focus adjusting lens barrel 5 is moved to the focus position,the stepping motor 69 stops rotating, in response to the stop signalfrom the motor drive control circuit 32. The pawl 135a of the lensabutment lever 135 rides over the ratchet teeth 20a tooth by tooth andengages with one of the ratchet teeth when operation ring 20 stops tolock the operation ring 20 and accordingly the focus adjusting lensbarrel 5 at the focus position.

Thereafter, the stepping motor 69 rotates in the forward direction by apredetermined number of steps to rotate the operational plate 16 in theclockwise direction (FIG. 26). After the forward rotation of thestepping motor 69 by a predetermined number of steps, the stepping motor69 is stopped again, so that the abutment bar 31 rides over the camportion 23 to turn the start switch 17 OFF, and accordingly, theoperational bar 49' rides over the cam portion 26.

Thereafter, a signal is issued from the electromagnet control circuit 42to deenergize the first electromagnet 55. In this state, since theoperational bar 49' is located on the most raised portion of the camportion 26 of the operational plate 16, the state is maintained.Furthermore, the operation ring 20 is not returned to the initialposition, since the lens abutment lever 135 engages with the ratchetteeth 20a. After that, the motor drive control circuit 32 generates apredetermined number of steps of pulses to set a predetermined diaphragmvalue determined by the object distance data and the strobe guidenumber. In response thereto, the stepping motor 69 reverses to move theoperational bar 49', which first comes into slide contact with the camportion 26 and then comes away therefrom toward a lower position. As aresult, the first sector lever 46 is rotated in the clockwise directionby the spring 53. Accordingly, the sector blades 10a and 10b are rotatedin the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction togradually close the first sector 10 (FIG. 27). Thus, the light pathwhich has been intercepted is gradually opened to effect the exposure.

The first sector 10 is opened to a predetermined aperture correspondingto a predetermined exposure value by the reverse rotation of thestepping motor 69 through a predetermined number of steps. The synchroswitch (not shown) which constitutes a daylight synchro trigger means isturned ON synchronously with a pulse immediately before a specific pulseat which the aperture becomes a predetermined value to emit strobe lightin accordance with the trigger signal thereof.

At the "daylight synchro mode", the position of the object to bephotographed is determined in accordance with the object distance data,and the appropriate proper diaphragm value is determined in accordancewith the strobe guide number. In case of a close object distance, sincethe diaphragm aperture which is defined by the reverse rotation of thestepping motor 69 is smaller than an open diaphragm value, the reverserotation of the stepping motor 69 continues after the strobe light isemitted to increase the aperture defined by the first sector 10. Whenthe diaphragm value becomes a predetermined value which gives a desiredexposure value of the background of the object, the stepping motor 69 isstopped in accordance with the stop signal of the motor drive controlcircuit 32. The opening (aperture) thus obtained is represented by S' inFIG. 27.

Conversely, in case of a far object distance, since the above-mentioneddiaphragm value is set to be an open diaphragm value, the stepping motor69 is stopped after it rotates by one pulse immediately after the strobelight emission, so that no further opening of the first sector 10 takesplace. After the lapse of a predetermined time necessary for theappropriate exposure obtained by the photometer means 89, the secondelectromagnet 44 is deenergized in accordance with the signal of theelectromagnet control circuit 42. As a result, the lever member 19 isrotated together with the operational member 37 in the clockwisedirection by the spring 43. Consequently, the abutment lever 36 isdisengaged from the engaging tooth 54a to release the sector blade 11a,so that the sector blades 11a and 11b are rotated in thecounterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction by the biasingforce of the spring 61 through the second sector opening and closinglever 60, respectively. Thus, the opening S' is closed to complete theexposure (FIG. 28).

Since the rotation of the second sector lever 21 in the clockwisedirection by the spring 61 causes the bar member 139 to rotate in thesame direction, the lens abutment lever 135 is pushed up at the oppositeend thereof by the bar member 139. Since the spring force of the spring61 is stronger than that of the spring 137, the lens abutment lever 135is rotated in the clockwise direction. Consequently, the pawl 135a isdisengaged from the ratchet teeth 20a of the operation ring 20, so thatthe operation ring 20 is rotated in the clockwise direction by thespring 87 and returned to the initial position. Thus, the focusadjusting lens barrel 5 is retracted into a position before theoperation by the operational lever 83 which rotates in the clockwisedirection.

Thereafter, the stepping motor 69 is rotated in the forward direction inaccordance with the command signal of the motor drive control circuit 32to rotate the operational plate 16 in the clockwise direction again. Asa result, the operational bar 49' gradually rides over the cam portion26, so that the first sector lever 46 is rotated in the counterclockwisedirection against the spring 53 to return the first sector 10 to theclosed position. In this moment, since the abutment bar 31 rides overthe cam portion 23, the torsion spring 28 separates from the terminal17a to turn the start switch 17 OFF. Consequently, the stepping motor 69stops the forward rotation, so that the shutter device 1" is returned tothe initial position shown in FIG. 16. Thus, all the operations arecompleted.

We claim:
 1. A shutter device for a camera comprising:first and second sector mechanisms comprising a lens shutter and which are independently opened and closed to define an aperture; photometer means for detecting the luminance of an object to be photographed; diaphragm control means for controlling the aperture defined by said second sector mechanism in accordance with luminance data detected by said photometer means, said diaphragm control means comprising a stepping motor which rotates by a predetermined number of pulses in accordance with luminance data of said photometer means; a single drive source for said first and second sector mechanisms, said single drive source comprising: shutter opening means for normally closing said first sector mechanism and opening said first sector mechanism when said second sector mechanism is held to define a predetermined aperture determined by said diaphragm control means; and shutter closing means for closing said second sector mechanism at a predetermined timing in accordance with the luminance data of said photometer means after said first sector mechanism is opened by said shutter opening means.
 2. A shutter device according to claim 1, wherein said diaphragm control means further comprises an operational plate which is rotated by said stepping motor to open said second sector mechanism.
 3. A shutter device according to claim 2, further comprising a cam mechanism positioned between said stepping motor and said operational plate to determine the angular displacement of said second sector mechanism in accordance with the angular displacement of said operational plate.
 4. A shutter device according to claim 1, wherein said second sector mechanism comprises a pair of sector blades of predetermined shape which are associated with each other to open and close the aperture.
 5. A shutter device according to claim 4, further comprising an engaging member for holding or releasing said sector blades, which is disengageably engaged by ratchet teeth which are directly formed on said sector blades of the said second sector mechanism.
 6. A shutter device according to claim 5, further comprising biasing means for continuously biasing said engaging member to engage with said ratchet teeth.
 7. A shutter device according to claim 1, further comprising biasing means for continuously biasing said second sector mechanism to close the same.
 8. A shutter device according to claim 7, wherein said diaphragm control means comprises a stepping motor which opens said second sector mechanism to a predetermined aperture against said biasing means in accordance with the luminance data of said photometer means, and a second sector abutment means for holding said second sector mechanism at said predetermined aperture against said biasing means.
 9. A shutter device according to claim 8, wherein said shutter closing means comprises releasing means for releasing said engagement of the second sector mechanism by said second sector abutment means.
 10. A shutter device according to claim 1, further comprising biasing means for continuously biasing said first sector mechanism to open.
 11. A shutter device according to claim 10, wherein said shutter opening means comprises a motor which closes said first sector mechanism against said biasing means, and first sector abutment means for holding said first sector mechanism at said closed position and for releasing said first sector mechanism at a predetermined timing.
 12. A shutter device according to claim 11, wherein said motor is a stepping motor which drives said second sector mechanism to a predetermined aperture in accordance with luminance data of said photometer means, said first and second sector mechanisms being actuated by rotation of said stepping motor in the forward and reverse directions.
 13. A shutter device according to claim 1, wherein said camera includes a strobe and a daylight synchro photographing mode, and said shutter device further comprises control means, for sequentially performing:opening said second sector mechanism and holding said second sector mechanism at the open position; controlling said first sector mechanism to have an aperture in accordance with luminance data of said photometer means; scanning a trigger signal to said strobe at a predetermined timing before the aperture of said sector mechanism becomes a predetermined value; and, closing said second sector mechanism.
 14. A shutter device according to claim 13, wherein said control means further performs increasing the aperture .[.em.]. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.the second sector mechanism even after the strobe light emission when the object distance is smaller than a predetermined value.
 15. The shutter device according to claim 2, further comprising a first sector operational bar for operating said first sector mechanism; a second sector operational bar for operating said second sector mechanism, and a plurality of cams provided on the outer periphery of said operational plate.
 16. The shutter device for a camera according to claim 1, wherein said stepping motor actuates said first and second sector mechanisms in accordance with forward and reverse rotation of said stepping motor.
 17. A shutter device for a camera comprising first and second sector mechanisms which independently open and close a photographing aperture, and first sector mechanism adapted to open a shutter, said second sector mechanism adapted to set the aperture and close the shutter, said first and second sector mechanisms being controllably moved to open and close the shutter and set the photographing aperture in response to rotation of a stepping motor-driven plate containing a plurality of sector mechanism actuating cam surfaces.
 18. The shutter device for a camera according to claim 17, further comprising control means for sequentially opening and holding said second sector mechanism at the opened position, for positioning said first sector mechanism to have a predetermined aperture in accordance with luminance data of a photometric means, for sending a trigger signal to a strobe at a predetermined time before an aperture defined by said first sector mechanism reaches said predetermined aperture, and for closing said second sector mechanism.
 19. The shutter device for a camera according to claim 17, wherein said second sector mechanism comprises a plurality of sector members, at least one of said members being provided with a plurality of rachet teeth, said rachet teeth being adapted to be disengagably engaged by means for holding said sector members in a predetermined aperture defining position.
 20. A shutter device of a camera comprising:a first sector mechanism which is normally biased to open by first biasing means; first sector mechanism abutment means for holding said first sector mechanism at an optional aperture; a second sector mechanism which is normally biased to close by second biasing means; second sector mechanism .Iadd.abutment means for holding said second sector mechanism .Iaddend.at an optional aperture; and a stepping motor, .[.which opens and closes.]. .Iadd.said stepping motor comprising means for opening and closing .Iaddend.said first and second sector mechanism; said camera comprising a strobe and photometer means for detecting luminance data of an object to be photographed; said camera comprising a normal photographing mode in which said second sector mechanism is opened by said stepping motor to a predetermined diaphragm aperture in accordance with said luminance data, so that said second sector mechanism is held by said second sector mechanism abutment means, and then, said first sector mechanism abutment means and said second sector mechanism abutment means release said first .[.biasing means.]. .Iadd.sector mechanism .Iaddend.and said second sector mechanism .[.by said first biasing means and said second biasing means.]. to open said first sector mechanism and close said second sector mechanism .Iadd.by said first biasing means and said second biasing means .Iaddend.to complete the exposure; and a daylight synchro photographing mode in which said second sector mechanism is opened by said stepping motor, to hold said second sector mechanism by said second sector mechanism abutment means, and then said first sector mechanism is opened .Iadd.by said stepping motor .Iaddend.to a predetermined diaphragm aperture in accordance with luminance data .[.by said stepping motor.]., and finally said second sector mechanism abutment means is released to close said second sector mechanism by said second biasing means to complete the exposure; said shutter device further comprising daylight trigger means for sending a light emission signal to said strobe at a predetermined light emission timing before said first sector mechanism provides said predetermined diaphragm aperture, in said daylight synchro photographing mode.
 21. A shutter device according to claim 20, said camera comprising object distance detecting means for detecting the distance of an object to be photographed, and wherein said daylight trigger means controls the light emission timing in accordance with object distance data of said object distance detecting means.
 22. A shutter device according to claim 20, wherein said diaphragm aperture defined by said second sector mechanism is increased by further rotation of said stepping motor even after said strobe light is emitted when the object distance is below a predetermined value.
 23. A daylight synchro photographing method in a camera having first and second sector mechanisms which constitute a lens shutter and which are independently opened and closed, a strobe, and .[.a.]. photometer means for detecting the luminance of an object to be photographed, comprising .[.a.]. .Iadd.in .Iaddend.sequence;opening said second sector mechanism and holding said second sector mechanism at a predetermined open position; opening said first sector mechanism to a predetermined diaphragm aperture in accordance with the luminance data of the object; sending a light emission signal to said strobe at a predetermined timing before said diaphragm aperture defined by said first sector mechanism becomes a predetermined value; and closing said second sector mechanism.
 24. A shutter device for a camera comprising:first and second sector mechanisms comprising a lens shutter adapted to be independently opened and closed to define an aperture; photometric means for detecting the luminance of an object to be photographed; diaphragm control means for controlling an aperture defined by said second sector mechanism in accordance with luminance data detected by said photometric means; shutter opening and closing means for moving said first sector mechanism from a closed position to an opened position when said second sector mechanism defines an aperture, and moving said second sector mechanism from an aperture defining position to a closed position a predetermined time after said first sector mechanism is moved to the opened position; and means for biasing at least one of said first and second sector mechanisms to one of said opened and closed positions. .Iadd.
 25. A camera comprising:photometry means for providing luminance data of an object to be photographed; first and second sector mechanisms which are independently openable and closable, said first and second sector mechanisms comprising a lens shutter; operation means for controlling an aperture defined by said second sector mechanism, said operation means comprising a stepping motor operable to rotate by a predetermined amount in accordance with luminance data provided by said photometry means; shutter opening means for normally closing said first sector mechanism and for opening said first sector mechanism when said second sector mechanism is held to define a predetermined diaphragm aperture controlled by said operation means; and shutter closing means for closing said second sector mechanism at a predetermined timing in accordance with luminance data provided by said photometry means, after said first sector mechanism is opened by said shutter opening means, wherein said stepping motor is rotatable for closing said first sector mechanism after said second sector mechanism is closed..Iaddend..Iadd.26. The camera according to claim 25, further comprising first sector biasing means for continuously biasing said first sector mechanism to open..Iaddend..Iadd.27. The camera according to claim 26, said shutter opening means comprising first sector abutment means operable for holding said first sector mechanism at a closed position and for releasing said first sector mechanism at a predetermined timing, said shutter opening means being movable by said stepping motor, said stepping motor being operable to close said first sector mechanism against a bias of said first sector biasing means..Iaddend..Iadd.28. The camera according to claim 27, said first sector abutment means comprising an electromagnet..Iaddend..Iadd.29. The camera according to claim 25, further comprising second sector biasing means for continuously biasing said second sector mechanism to close..Iaddend..Iadd.30. The camera according to claim 29, said shutter closing means comprising a second sector abutment means operable for holding said second sector mechanism at said predetermined diaphragm aperture, said operation means comprising means for operating said stepping motor to open said second sector mechanism to said predetermined diaphragm aperture against a bias of said second sector biasing means..Iaddend..Iadd.31. The camera according to claim 30, said second sector abutment means comprising engaging means for holding said second sector mechanism at said predetermined aperture diaphragm, said shutter closing means comprising releasing means for releasing said engaging means..Iaddend..Iadd.32. The camera according to claim 31, said engaging means comprising an operational plate arranged for rotation by said stepping motor, for controlling the aperture defined by said second sector mechanism..Iaddend..Iadd.33. The camera according to claim 32, further comprising a cam mechanism provided between said stepping motor and said operational plate to determine angular displacement of said second sector mechanism in association with an angular displacement of said operational plate..Iaddend..Iadd.34. The camera according to claim 33, said operational plate comprising ratchet teeth formed thereon, said engaging means further comprising an engaging member for disengagedly engaging said ratchet teeth for holding or releasing said second sector mechanism..Iaddend..Iadd.35. The camera according to claim 34, said releasing means comprising an electromagnet..Iaddend..Iadd.36. The camera according to claim 30, said second sector mechanism comprising a pair of said second sector blades which are associated with each other for opening and closing..Iaddend..Iadd.37. The camera according to claim 36, further comprising ratchet teeth formed on at least one of said second sector blades, said second sector abutment means comprising an engaging member for disengagedly engaging said ratchet teeth for holding said second sector blades, said shutter closing means comprising releasing means for releasing said engaging member..Iaddend..Iadd.38. The camera according to claim 37, further comprising biasing means for continuously biasing said engaging member to engage with said ratchet teeth..Iaddend..Iadd.39. The camera according to claim 38, wherein said releasing means comprises an electromagnet..Iaddend..Iadd.40. The camera according to claim 30, further comprising a strobe unit and a daylight synchro photographing mode, said shutter opening means comprising means movable by said stepping motor, and control means for actuating, in said daylight synchro photographing mode, said operation means to operate said stepping motor in a first direction to rotate, to open and hold said second sector mechanism at an open position, and for actuating said stepping motor to rotate in an opposite direction to move said shutter opening means to open said first sector mechanism to provide an aperture in accordance with luminance data provided by said photometry means when said second sector mechanism is held in said open position, and to provide a trigger signal to said strobe unit at a predetermined timing before an aperture defined by said first sector mechanism becomes a predetermined value..Iaddend..Iadd.41. The camera according to claim 39, further comprising a strobe unit and a daylight synchro photographing mode, said shutter opening means comprising means movable by said stepping motor, and control means for actuating, in said daylight synchro photographing mode, said operation means to operate said stepping motor in a first direction to rotate, to open and hold said second sector mechanism at an open position, and for actuating said stepping motor to rotate in an opposite direction to move said shutter opening means to open said first sector mechanism to provide an aperture in accordance with luminance data provided by said photometry means when said second sector mechanism is held in said open position, and to provide a trigger signal to said strobe unit at a predetermined time before an aperture defined by said first sector mechanism becomes a predetermined value..Iaddend..Iadd.42. The camera according to claim 40, further comprising object distance detecting means, said control means sending said trigger signal in accordance with object distance data detected by said object distance detecting means..Iaddend..Iadd.43. The camera according to claim 41, further comprising object distance detecting means, said control means sending said trigger signal in accordance with object distance data detected by said object distance detecting means..Iaddend..Iadd.44. The camera according to claim 42, wherein, when an object distance is smaller than a predetermined value, said control means actuates said operation means to rotate said stepping motor to further open said second sector mechanism even after strobe light emission..Iaddend..Iadd.45. The camera according to claim 43, wherein, when an object distance is smaller than a predetermined value, said control means actuates said operation means to rotate said stepping motor to further open said second sector mechanism even after strobe light emission..Iaddend..Iadd.46. A method of providing a daylight synchro photographing mode for a camera having first and second sector mechanisms which independently open and close a photographing aperture, said method comprising:(a) opening the second sector mechanism and holding the second sector mechanism at an open position; (b) starting an exposure in the daylight synchro photographing mode by opening the first sector mechanism to a predetermined diaphragm aperture in accordance with luminance data of an object to be photographed; (c) actuating a strobe at a predetermined timing before a diaphragm aperture defined by the first sector mechanism becomes a predetermined value; and (d) closing said second sector mechanism to finish an exposure in the daylight synchro photographing mode..Iaddend..Iadd.47. A shutter device for a camera comprising: first and second sector mechanisms comprising a lens shutter and which are independently opened and closed; photometering means for detecting luminance of an object to be photographed; diaphragm control means, responsive to luminance data of said photometering means, for controlling an aperture defined by said second sector mechanism in accordance with the luminance data detected by said photometering means; shutter opening means for normally closing said first sector mechanism and opening said first sector mechanism when said second sector mechanism is held to define a predetermined aperture defined by said diaphragm control means; shutter closing means for closing said second sector mechanism at a predetermined timing in accordance with the luminance data of said photometering means after said first sector mechanism is opened by said shutter opening means; and a single drive source, said single drive source comprising said shutter opening means and said shutter closing means..Iaddend..Iadd.48. A shutter device for a camera according to claim 47, and further comprising means for returning said first sector mechanism to a closed state after said second sector mechanism is closed, said returning means comprising a stepping motor and means for rotating said stepping motor in a first direction to determine an aperture defined by said second sector mechanism, and rotating said stepping motor in a direction opposite said first direction for returning said first motor mechanism to the closed state after the second sector mechanism is closed..Iaddend. 